A Compact Low-Frequencies Vibrational Bioreactor to Induce Cellular Response

The production of functional tissues, as well as ensuring cells viability, differentiation and proliferation, is mainly related to the biomimicking degree of the culture chamber, that aims to reproduce the same conditions that occur in-vivo. For this reason, bioreactors able to mimic and provide specific signals or a combination of them, are used to improve tissue formation and biological results. Specifically, literature widely reports that external stimulation can deeply influence cells behavior. This paper presents the design of a compact vibrational bioreactor, operating at low frequencies. The device is based on a voice-coil actuator connected to a bioreactor chamber. Firstly, the system design process is demonstrated, motivated by the necessity for 101–102 Hz vibrational stimulation, and then the electro-mechanical model is established. The obtained system allows to investigate cellular response to extremely low-frequency of vibrations, and it is used in combination to a peristaltic pump to realize a perfusion-based system obtaining a continuous flow of culture medium during mechanical excitation.